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The Adventures of Sophie Mouse #2
The Emerald Berries
In this second book of The Adventures of Sophie Mouse, Sophie and her friend Hattie Frog go on a daring adventure through the woods in search of some special art supplies!
In the second book in The Adventures of Sophie Mouse, Sophie learns about some special emerald berries that will make the most perfect color for a painting she wants to do! But the seamstress who’s using the berries tells Sophie that they can only be found in one part of the Weedsnag Way. Though that’s far from home, and a little scary, Sophie convinces her best friend, Hattie Frog, that they will be fine.
But all is not quite fine, and the girls get lost along the way! Thanks to the help of a squirrel who disappeared from Pine Needle Grove years ago, Sophie and Hattie find the emerald berries…and their way home!
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
In the second book in The Adventures of Sophie Mouse, Sophie learns about some special emerald berries that will make the most perfect color for a painting she wants to do! But the seamstress who’s using the berries tells Sophie that they can only be found in one part of the Weedsnag Way. Though that’s far from home, and a little scary, Sophie convinces her best friend, Hattie Frog, that they will be fine.
But all is not quite fine, and the girls get lost along the way! Thanks to the help of a squirrel who disappeared from Pine Needle Grove years ago, Sophie and Hattie find the emerald berries…and their way home!
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2015
56 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Green
50 books83 followersPoppy Green can talk to animals! Unfortunately, they never talk back to her. So she started writing in order to imagine what they might say and do when humans aren’t watching. Poppy lives on the edge of the woods in Connecticut, where her backyard is often a playground for all kinds of wildlife: birds, rabbits, squirrels, voles, skunks, deer, and the occasional wild turkey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 5, 2017
I loved the first book in this series and so did my daughters. In fact, I bought the next few as well for her birthday. I'd seen some negative reviews on amazon for this one, but I didn't listen figuring that it was an early reader, it can't be that bad. I just finished reading this story to my kids and I am actually upset. The plot of this book is seriously dangerous and insane, I can't believe it was ever published.
The Plot: Sophie mouse convinces her best friend, Hattie frog to sneak into the scary dark woods called Weedsnag Way so that they can get green emerald berries to make paint with. Sophie doesn't ask her parents to take her there... she just decides to adventure there without them. She knows her parents will say no to her plans, so she doesn't tell them where they are going (except to leave a note saying they are going for a long hike, don't worry) Along the way Sophie finds she doesn't know as much on how to get there as she had pretended... and Hattie thankfully marks the trees so they can get back home. Once they are close to the dark Weedsnag Way forest, they bump into a man squirrel, who then invites them up to his one bedroom tree-house for tea. The readily go with him, then he takes them to see the berries and they head home with Hattie's help. Upon returning home, Sophie confesses their adventure and because her mom seems upset she promises to never do it again. Dad then says But... since you went, let me see those awesome berries and that's the end.
UGH! Reasons this is insane:
1. They run off far from home without telling anyone not with them where they were going. (What if they got lost, what if one got hurt?)
2. Strange Mr. Squirrel! I don't want to sound like a creeper, but two little girls climbing up into Mr. squirrels tree-house to have tea is just NOT OKAY!
3. Sophie doesn't learn any lessons. Hattie was smart enough to help them find their way home, and her parents weren't mad. They had no close calls or any redeeming lesson that would make this terrible plot okay.
4. Now this is nitpicking but Sophie leaves her brother in the middle of their acorn checkers game and promises to play later and she never does.
I am going to have to pre-read the next one to see if there is anything redeeming in the next one. So far... It did bring up valuable conversations with my girls, but I don't expect to need to do this with beginning readers that are published so kids can read them on their own. I don't know if the author is a parent (there isn't much online about her) but these are kind of two of parents greatest fears. First that our kids will wander off and second that they will find some creeper if they do.
The Plot: Sophie mouse convinces her best friend, Hattie frog to sneak into the scary dark woods called Weedsnag Way so that they can get green emerald berries to make paint with. Sophie doesn't ask her parents to take her there... she just decides to adventure there without them. She knows her parents will say no to her plans, so she doesn't tell them where they are going (except to leave a note saying they are going for a long hike, don't worry) Along the way Sophie finds she doesn't know as much on how to get there as she had pretended... and Hattie thankfully marks the trees so they can get back home. Once they are close to the dark Weedsnag Way forest, they bump into a man squirrel, who then invites them up to his one bedroom tree-house for tea. The readily go with him, then he takes them to see the berries and they head home with Hattie's help. Upon returning home, Sophie confesses their adventure and because her mom seems upset she promises to never do it again. Dad then says But... since you went, let me see those awesome berries and that's the end.
UGH! Reasons this is insane:
1. They run off far from home without telling anyone not with them where they were going. (What if they got lost, what if one got hurt?)
2. Strange Mr. Squirrel! I don't want to sound like a creeper, but two little girls climbing up into Mr. squirrels tree-house to have tea is just NOT OKAY!
3. Sophie doesn't learn any lessons. Hattie was smart enough to help them find their way home, and her parents weren't mad. They had no close calls or any redeeming lesson that would make this terrible plot okay.
4. Now this is nitpicking but Sophie leaves her brother in the middle of their acorn checkers game and promises to play later and she never does.
I am going to have to pre-read the next one to see if there is anything redeeming in the next one. So far... It did bring up valuable conversations with my girls, but I don't expect to need to do this with beginning readers that are published so kids can read them on their own. I don't know if the author is a parent (there isn't much online about her) but these are kind of two of parents greatest fears. First that our kids will wander off and second that they will find some creeper if they do.
July 9, 2020
This is the fourth Sophie Mouse we've read. My four-year-old found it a little too scary (some of these have mild peril, this is one of them). In this the danger is all perceived and I really like the idea of showing how people (er, woodland animals) can create something scary, dangerous, etc. from just a few facts then letting their imaginations run wild. In this case . The mom in me was a little uncomfortable with just how carefree these little creatures are.. I'm not sure Sophie Mouse is a good role model in this one... she goes off to a place that is reported to be very dangerous and just leaves a vague note for her parents (she knows she shouldn't go but goes anyway) and then when the parents find out later they only give her a mild admonishment and then express their enthusiasm about seeing the beautiful berries she brought back from her adventure. Sophie and her friend also meet a stranger in the forest (an adult male squirrel) who seems very nice and invites them back to his treehouse and gives them treats... this is a sweet little book so of course everything is happy and safe and no harm befalls anyone. However, some parents might wish to have a bit more discussion with their children about "stranger danger" or what could have happened to Sophie if the terrible tales about the forest had actually been true.
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February 18, 2023Reads with the little 💕
July 22, 2024
Smagi, labai įdomi nuotykių knygelė pradinių klasių vaikams, dukrytei patiko labai :)
January 22, 2020
For 8 year olds and younger the Sophie Mouse books are such a delight! (I'm reluctant to give a 5 star rating because these books are not life-changing; but, they're most definitely well done.) Kudos to the author for finding just the right tone of voice, through the written word, for young reader's to be intrigued by.
"The Emerald Berries" are hard to find. Special. Remote. Sought after because of their unique coloring. Sophie is all about colors as her artistic pallette requires just the right shades to bring her artwork to life.
I appreciate how all Sophie Mouse books wrap up her adventuring in one final canvas. Bringing all elements together. Not an easy feat!
There is whimsy, twists and turns, and a nod to Hansel and Gretel within this particular Sophie Mouse adventure. Thank goodness for good friends, differing personalities, and skill sets. One person's weakness is another's strength, appreciate the differences and use them to your advantage!
Highly recommended series for young reader's.
"The Emerald Berries" are hard to find. Special. Remote. Sought after because of their unique coloring. Sophie is all about colors as her artistic pallette requires just the right shades to bring her artwork to life.
I appreciate how all Sophie Mouse books wrap up her adventuring in one final canvas. Bringing all elements together. Not an easy feat!
There is whimsy, twists and turns, and a nod to Hansel and Gretel within this particular Sophie Mouse adventure. Thank goodness for good friends, differing personalities, and skill sets. One person's weakness is another's strength, appreciate the differences and use them to your advantage!
Highly recommended series for young reader's.
January 16, 2021
Mom: 3 stars
This little story gave us the opportunity to talk about why it's a REALLY bad idea to go off on your own without telling someone where you're going. Everything turned out alright in the end despite a few scary moments, but it's not one I'd particularly want to have on regular repeat reading.
My 6yo: 5 stars! But I WISH it could be a hundred!
I didn't like that they didn't ask their parents. That was NOT good. This story teached us a lesson! Tell the truth and tell everything ... and tell someone where you're going--your teacher or your grandma or your mom and dad or your cousin's mom! But what I really liked was that it was also really adventurous and fun!
So, I'm averaging our ratings with 4 stars. 😉 Cause really ... I can't complain about the opportunity to teach a lesson on safety within the context of a well written story with sweet characters.
This little story gave us the opportunity to talk about why it's a REALLY bad idea to go off on your own without telling someone where you're going. Everything turned out alright in the end despite a few scary moments, but it's not one I'd particularly want to have on regular repeat reading.
My 6yo: 5 stars! But I WISH it could be a hundred!
I didn't like that they didn't ask their parents. That was NOT good. This story teached us a lesson! Tell the truth and tell everything ... and tell someone where you're going--your teacher or your grandma or your mom and dad or your cousin's mom! But what I really liked was that it was also really adventurous and fun!
So, I'm averaging our ratings with 4 stars. 😉 Cause really ... I can't complain about the opportunity to teach a lesson on safety within the context of a well written story with sweet characters.
April 28, 2025
I gave this book a five star rating because I love reading books about adventure and (by getting lost)it was super cool that they found the squirrel that had disappeared from their town years ago. And they got awesome new paint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2021
Some of the actions by the characters in this book are questionable, but they do make for great conversations with your child. Overall Sophie Mouse books are cute fun light reads.
March 7, 2021
Appropriate for: all ages!
I like Sophie Mouse and so does my 3 year old daughter. There's pictures on every page and an engaging story.
I like Sophie Mouse and so does my 3 year old daughter. There's pictures on every page and an engaging story.
May 20, 2022
A crime that this has not been picked up for a tv show
November 11, 2024
I'm reading through this series with my second grader and she really enjoys the characters. She is more sensitive than most, but she did find parts of this one a little scary. She still enjoyed it and we finished and were happy with the sweet ending.
August 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️’s
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September 26, 2025My 4yr old is loving these as read alouds! Such sweet, innocent stories with a picture on every page.
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July 11, 2020The questionable choices of two 8 yo children, and the insufficient reaction from their parents, aside, I sorta liked this tale that actually did show pluck and courage. After all, if children are raised to timid, they'll never fly strong.
Still, I am not the target audience, and I can't rate. I will say that I am pretty sure I'm done with the series, after three books of it.
Still, I am not the target audience, and I can't rate. I will say that I am pretty sure I'm done with the series, after three books of it.
May 18, 2024
We liked this one better than the first one.
Maggie says: Sophie and Hattie went on an adventure to find the emerald berries at Weedsnag Way. It was a scary, dark place where people had not come back from. They got lost on the trail there. The squirrel who got lost before found them and helped them find the berries. Hattie helped them get home because she wasn’t studying the trees she was dropping cattails to find their way home!
Maggie says: Sophie and Hattie went on an adventure to find the emerald berries at Weedsnag Way. It was a scary, dark place where people had not come back from. They got lost on the trail there. The squirrel who got lost before found them and helped them find the berries. Hattie helped them get home because she wasn’t studying the trees she was dropping cattails to find their way home!
July 3, 2021
I really liked it (ima kid)
March 18, 2022
I bought a set of these on the recommendation of someone who excitedly labeled them as “good and beautiful,” which can be hard to find in modern books. And, while I think they are adorable, I really don’t think we will hold on to them. In this adventure, Sophie and her friend go far from home to a place that has been categorized as dangerous (even deadly) in order to find green berries that will make a fabulous paint color. Of course, all turns out well, but the wrongdoing doesn’t really have a consequence, so it doesn’t feel that wrong.
March 9, 2019
This one I didn’t care for as much. Sophie lies to her parents and heads off to a place that is supposed to be dangerous. All the while Sophie acknowledges that whats she’s doing is wrong but she does it anyways. Then when she and her friend get lost, they meet a random adult squirrel and follow him to his house 😳 (fortunately he is a good guy). Not exactly a great example of making good choices for my six year old.
March 8, 2016
Other than the questionable life choices of going on a dangerous expedition without telling your parents and entering the home of a strange squirrel, this was sweet & charming. And the 6-year-old announced early on that the adventurers would return safely, even if they did get lost along the way. Good for emerging readers.
May 13, 2025
My 3 year old enjoys sitting with me and listening to me read this series.
August 17, 2023
We love the other Sophie Mouse books, but I didn't like this one. Of course the setting is still so cute and the characters are adorable, but Sophie deliberately didn't tell the truth and snuck behind her parents' backs going somewhere everyone thought of as dangerous-not something I want my daughter learning. She copies a lot of things that she learns from books and shows so we have to be careful with what we introduce to her.
"Then, all dressed, with her sack on her back, she paused at the front door of the silent cottage. Everyone else was still asleep. She didn't want to tell her parents where she was going. They might say she couldn't go. But it didn't feel right just leaving. So Sophie wrote a note: 'Went on a long hike with Hattie. Be back before dark. Sophie'. She left it on the table. It's not the whole truth, thought Sophie. But it's most of it."
There wasn't a big lesson or any consequences to redeem that at the end either. The following was most of what was said on the subject when the truth came out: "'Please do not ever venture so far off again without telling us,' her mother said to her sternly."
We should have skipped this one. So far the books we have read in the series (4 of them) act as standalones so you wouldn't miss out with skipping to the next book. We've already really loved 2 books in this series, so I'm hoping we love the rest of the next ones as well!
"Then, all dressed, with her sack on her back, she paused at the front door of the silent cottage. Everyone else was still asleep. She didn't want to tell her parents where she was going. They might say she couldn't go. But it didn't feel right just leaving. So Sophie wrote a note: 'Went on a long hike with Hattie. Be back before dark. Sophie'. She left it on the table. It's not the whole truth, thought Sophie. But it's most of it."
There wasn't a big lesson or any consequences to redeem that at the end either. The following was most of what was said on the subject when the truth came out: "'Please do not ever venture so far off again without telling us,' her mother said to her sternly."
We should have skipped this one. So far the books we have read in the series (4 of them) act as standalones so you wouldn't miss out with skipping to the next book. We've already really loved 2 books in this series, so I'm hoping we love the rest of the next ones as well!
November 16, 2023
Ages: 6-8 year olds
I like to read books I find before my daughter does to make sure I'm comfortable with the content. This book looked adorable and the story was cute however, as others have mentioned, there was some content that caused me pause.
Pros:
- Cute black-and-white illustrations on every page. Great transition to chapter books for early readers.
- The story was well-written and enjoyable.
Cons:
- Sophie deliberately hides from her parents that she's going to a place known to be dangerous because she thinks they won't let her go. When she gets home and tells them where she's been, they tell her not to do it again, but they don't explain why and she really doesn't get in trouble.
- When Sophie and her friend, Hattie, are lost trying to find the place they're looking for, the come across Mr. Squirrel. He is a stranger (the girls don't know him). He tells them he knows how to get where they're trying to find and they follow him without question. They also go into his house for tea. I think it was simply an oversight from the author. In a fun, perfect world like Sophie's, this is totally fine. But in our real world, I don't want my daughter thinking it's okay to go with a stranger.
- There is some mild peril that could scare younger children.
I think these could be used as talking points with children to explain why not to lie to your parents and go with strangers, but I ultimately decided to pass on letting my daughter read it.
I like to read books I find before my daughter does to make sure I'm comfortable with the content. This book looked adorable and the story was cute however, as others have mentioned, there was some content that caused me pause.
Pros:
- Cute black-and-white illustrations on every page. Great transition to chapter books for early readers.
- The story was well-written and enjoyable.
Cons:
- Sophie deliberately hides from her parents that she's going to a place known to be dangerous because she thinks they won't let her go. When she gets home and tells them where she's been, they tell her not to do it again, but they don't explain why and she really doesn't get in trouble.
- When Sophie and her friend, Hattie, are lost trying to find the place they're looking for, the come across Mr. Squirrel. He is a stranger (the girls don't know him). He tells them he knows how to get where they're trying to find and they follow him without question. They also go into his house for tea. I think it was simply an oversight from the author. In a fun, perfect world like Sophie's, this is totally fine. But in our real world, I don't want my daughter thinking it's okay to go with a stranger.
- There is some mild peril that could scare younger children.
I think these could be used as talking points with children to explain why not to lie to your parents and go with strangers, but I ultimately decided to pass on letting my daughter read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2022
― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
If slice-of-life adventures in a gentle fantasy story are what you're looking for, the Sophie Mouse Series definitely delivers!
I like this series because sometimes you need a wholesome fantasy book in your life (these aren't exactly "cozy fantasy" but they read that way, in my opinion). Sophie learns of some emerald berries that make a beautiful color she feels so inspired to use in her paintings, so she decides to head towards Weedsnag Way in order to find them, with the help of her friend Hattie!
They get into a bit of trouble as Sophie becomes worried to admit she may not be entirely sure where they are going, but as they find their way. It reminded me a bit of the 1st Cornbread & Poppy book which I found to be charming too. By the end Sophie learns some important lessons, overall another journey with lots of sightseeing around Silverlake + surrounding locales!
Don't really have a reasoning for this rating, it just felt like a 4 star read. Will definitely be continue the series because its the hopeful and sweet fantasy story I need right now! The setting is charming with Sophie's adventures delivering that wholesome escape you need in fantasy stories sometimes.
If slice-of-life adventures in a gentle fantasy story are what you're looking for, the Sophie Mouse Series definitely delivers!
I like this series because sometimes you need a wholesome fantasy book in your life (these aren't exactly "cozy fantasy" but they read that way, in my opinion). Sophie learns of some emerald berries that make a beautiful color she feels so inspired to use in her paintings, so she decides to head towards Weedsnag Way in order to find them, with the help of her friend Hattie!
They get into a bit of trouble as Sophie becomes worried to admit she may not be entirely sure where they are going, but as they find their way. It reminded me a bit of the 1st Cornbread & Poppy book which I found to be charming too. By the end Sophie learns some important lessons, overall another journey with lots of sightseeing around Silverlake + surrounding locales!
Don't really have a reasoning for this rating, it just felt like a 4 star read. Will definitely be continue the series because its the hopeful and sweet fantasy story I need right now! The setting is charming with Sophie's adventures delivering that wholesome escape you need in fantasy stories sometimes.
March 8, 2018
This was absolutely delightful! There is a clear goal, and an easy to follow narrative. The supporting friend character gets a moment to shine, and the main character thanks her for being "careful and practical", which is a nice lesson on humility. It also shows that things we think are scary might not be, and maybe we don't know all of the facts. The main character probably should have gotten in a little more trouble though for going somewhere she shouldn't have and intentionally not telling her parents.
The large print makes it great for younger readers, and combined with the pictures, it makes the book appear longer than it actually is. This could be a great way to introduce longer, more intimidating looking books to low level readers to help boost their confidence.
Oh! And I really enjoyed the art theme in the book, as the whole point of this story is to get berries for Sophie's painting.
The large print makes it great for younger readers, and combined with the pictures, it makes the book appear longer than it actually is. This could be a great way to introduce longer, more intimidating looking books to low level readers to help boost their confidence.
Oh! And I really enjoyed the art theme in the book, as the whole point of this story is to get berries for Sophie's painting.
March 19, 2021
We have enjoyed Sophie Mouse books, but this one is not good. There are two concerning parts in this book for me:
1. Sophie Mouse sneaks out of the house and leaves a very vague note to her parents on where she is going. She does this because she knows they won’t approve. She is 8 or 9 years old. In the past chapter, she does tell the truth to her parents, but don’t get any consequences for her actions and is rewarded for her behavior by being able to keep the berries she went out for.
2. The Sophie and Hattie meet a male squirrel in the forest. He lives alone and seems pretty friendly. He invites them back to his house for a snack. In the book, this is all harmless, but it may give a child the idea that going home with a “nice male adult” is an ok thing.
I couldn’t bring myself to let my children read this book, but if you do, please have a conversation with your child about these two parts.
1. Sophie Mouse sneaks out of the house and leaves a very vague note to her parents on where she is going. She does this because she knows they won’t approve. She is 8 or 9 years old. In the past chapter, she does tell the truth to her parents, but don’t get any consequences for her actions and is rewarded for her behavior by being able to keep the berries she went out for.
2. The Sophie and Hattie meet a male squirrel in the forest. He lives alone and seems pretty friendly. He invites them back to his house for a snack. In the book, this is all harmless, but it may give a child the idea that going home with a “nice male adult” is an ok thing.
I couldn’t bring myself to let my children read this book, but if you do, please have a conversation with your child about these two parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2021
I kinda rolled my eyes at some of the reviews I read of this book before deciding to read it myself. I wanted to get this whole series for my daughter since her name is Sophie, but as I started noticing a theme in the reviews of this particular book, I decided it would be good for me to just read each one before adding it to our library, for good measure. Well, turns out those other negative comments were not gross overreactions, because even I, not one to get all up in arms about kids' books, was like.... uhhhhh whaaaat?? about a couple things. 1) Sophie's attitude is very "I do what I want" and my kid is 5; I don't need her getting any more influence in that regard than she already has on her own, lol. And 2) stranger danger much???? Don't tell a strange man where you're going, let alone go in his house for tea! Yikes.
July 14, 2022
We didn’t enjoy this Sophie Mouse adventure quite as much as the first one, but it was still a quick, well-told story. In this book Sophie convinces her best friend to venture into a little known part of their first to hunt for special green berries. As is often the case in children’s books they opt not to inform their parents, get lost, and there are some tense moments. But a kindly squirrel gentleman helps them find their berries, invites them to tea, and shows them that the scary part of the forest is just different. The concept of two little girls going into an unknown forest with a stranger and then TO HIS HOUSE for tea brought up good conversations about not going anywhere with strangers and making sure your parents always know where you are. Sometimes I seriously wonder if authors even consider child safety when they write stories like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
I want to like these books because the characters are relatable and the illustrations are just so cute but I am thankful that I am using these books as read alouds with my daughters, instead of letting them read on their own. There are some important lessons that need to be talked through. For instance, the two girls running off into the woods without telling their parents where they were going and then walking into a stranger’s home. Two things children just shouldn’t do. Overall, this is just a story, and is mostly innocent, but it contains some ideas that I feel should be discussed with young readers.
April 10, 2024
As many others have said, I don’t love the plot of this one. Wandering off to a potentially dangerous place, meeting a strange man (squirrel) and then going back to his house are simply not things I want my 6 year old to think it’s ok to do. Lots of dishonesty/withholding the truth in this one (Sophie leaves a note for her parents that she is going for a hike, but leaves out the dangerous location, she doesn’t tell Hattie that they are lost and acts like she knows where she’s going). If I hadn’t read 5 other books in this series before this one, I’m not sure I would love the series as much as I do. Hope there aren’t any more questionable story lines!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2022
2.5 stars. This book left a lot to be desired in teaching the importance of respecting authority, safety, and good morals. Sophie doesn’t listen to the trusted adults in her life, and lets her desire for the beautiful emerald berries lead her on a dangerous adventure. Not dangerous because of what they encounter, but because of how she handles it. In one way, it’s a good opportunity to open up conversations about the importance of listening to parents and stranger danger. But Sophie just really isn’t a good role model in this story, and her parents aren’t much better at how they handled it.
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